SELECTIVE ADSORPTION OF CERIUM ON ACTIVATED-CHARCOAL FROM AQUEOUS-ELECTROLYTE SOLUTIONS

The adsorption of cerium on activated charcoal has been studied as a function of shaking time, pH, concentration of adsorbate and temperature. The adsorption of cerium obeys Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The influence of different cations and anions on cerium adsorption has been examined. The adsorption of other metal ions on activated charcoal has been studied under specified conditions to check its selectivity for cerium adsorption. Consequently, cerium was removed from a mixture containing Ce, Ba, Sr, Ru, Cs, Cr, Nd, Pr and In. About 99% of the adsorbed cerium on activated charcoal can be recovered with 3M HNO3 solution. A wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used for measuring the cerium concentration.